“She was a qualified nurse who raised us while she put herself through her psychology degree.

“She is an incredible inspiration to me, as is the support of all my siblings, in knowing I can achieve what I choose.”

All the family still live in Brisbane and their support and inspiration has helped Jessica make a flying start to her new career in film, which only kicked off about a year ago.

“I jumped in the deep end and used my previous sales and management skills to take me where I could and hit the ground running.

“I was given some amazing opportunities and just learnt as much as I could from the people around me.”

Extras in period costume receive their instructions.

Pearce described The Legend of Ben Hall as “a gritty and honest Australian Western epic following the last six months of Ben Hall’s life”.

For those a little rusty on their bushrangers, Ben Hall and some unsavoury mates led a life of crime in central western NSW before Hall was shot dead by police in 1865.

Pearce said: “We are in no way trying to glorify the characters or that period of Australian History but tell the story of people, the decisions they make and the people that influence them.”

She landed the Ben Hall gig when a mutual friend introduced her to director Matthew Holmes, who was financing the project via a “crowdfunding” push online.

“The Legend of Ben Hall had just finished its first crowdfunding program. What had started as a 20-minute project had now increased to a 50-minute project,” Pearce said.

“Matthew knew we had only five weeks of pre-production, which normally can take four months, so he asked me to come on board.

“I was incredibly fortunate to work with Matthew. Not only did he take a chance on me as a newcomer but he is an incredibly dedicated and collaborative director/producer.

“I have learnt so much through his advice as well as his support of my role on the project.”

Matthew Holmes in costume acting and directing on location.

And what a role it is. “As a producer I oversee the entire project. I manage scheduling, budgeting, contracts, hiring as well as oversee the logistics on set.

“The heads of department are crucial as I liaise with them for the input and feedback as to what each department requires.”

Pearce said she wanted to create unique and interesting Australian films. “My long-term plan is open to possibilities and I am exploring multiple avenues.

“I would love to continue producing as well as exploring my writing and directing skills.

“I would love to keep working with Matthew – it is very fortunate to find people you work with really well.”

Proving her multi-skilling abilities, Pearce was producing another feature in early development called Bubblegum: A Detective Story. “Also, I’m in development as writer/producer of an upcoming comedy web series Dee-Brief.”

“Most of all I want to be making unique and interesting projects.”

The Legend of Ben Hall was scheduled to be premiered in Forbes – the bushranger’s old stomping ground – mid this year in what is the 150th anniversary of Ben Hall’s death. “Our cinematic release date has not be confirmed but is hopefully scheduled for 2015.”